In recent weeks, I have discussed issues ranging from what the city accomplished in 2013 to what to expect in the coming year. This article is not nearly so lofty, but it is about an issue that affects most of us: snow removal.

In case you have already yawned and reached for the coffee, here is the issue in a nutshell: A lot of people use city sidewalks. Most people shovel them - but not all. For those who do not, you can expect to meet our nuisance inspector and fines will be part of the greeting.

Why does the city care about such a "small issue?"

Not a day goes by when I don't see someone walking in the street because the sidewalks aren't shoveled. There are a surprising number of people in Freeport who walk regularly.

Some walk for exercise. Some have no other transportation. They walk through the snow and ice to the grocery store, the laundromat, or to pick up medication. For these folks, sidewalks are not a convenience; they are a necessity.

Likewise, if you live on a street close to a school, you know that there are a surprising number of kids trudging through the snow and cold every day. For many, it's a hazardous walk across slippery, icy sidewalks - and after a month of regular snowfall and some of the coldest weather we have seen in years, there are still sidewalks that have never been touched.

Separately, visitors to a town notice the little things that add up to a first impression for a community. In the winter, shoveled sidewalks is on the list of things that matter. Even if you are not particularly concerned about how sidewalks reflect on our community, I hope we can agree that providing a safe path for our children to walk to and from school is important.

Our inspectors have already started issuing tickets to property owners in the commercial district and along main streets. Over the next few weeks, that effort will intensify. City inspectors will make an extra effort on school routes and on our main thoroughfares to ensure that sidewalks are clear. If yours is not, there's a good chance you will end up with a $20 ticket as a result.

In case you are wondering how the city ordinance reads, here it is:

Section 1026.21 SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL. The owner and occupant of land abutting the street dedication or right of way upon which a sidewalk exists shall keep and maintain such sidewalk free and clear of ice and snow. Such persons shall remove snow from such sidewalk within twelve hours after the cessation of any snowfall.

Obviously, inspectors do not stand by the curb waiting to issue tickets 12 hours after a snowfall. We understand that people work, get sick, or often hire a person or business to remove snow. Likewise, most people in Freeport are good about keeping their walks clear. But, for the few who need a reminder - or live elsewhere and ignore their property, the tickets are coming.

Page 2 of 2 - In addition, the police department has and will continue to ticket owners of vehicles who fail to move their vehicles on the even/odd schedule governing on-street parking. We do this so all streets will be plowed and safer for travel. Again, we are not waiting in anticipation to issue these tickets, they are typically called in by the snow plow drivers.

Our community is more livable if everyone obeys a few basic rules and we look out for each other. If parking lanes are cleared of snow, fewer people get stuck. If sidewalks are clear, fewer people (and children) slip and fall.